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Athletics

Dwight School Seoul and its Athletic Department believe that school athletics is an
integral component of a complete educational experience, and serves as an important
element that can ignite our students’ individual “spark of genius.” We want to provide
opportunities for our student-athletes to set goals, develop skills, build friendships,
work on teams, increase confidence, and promote fitness, and provide guidance
to maintain balance.

Through sacrifice and effort, our student-athletes will train, compete, win, lose,
and try again as gracious competitors, having fun in a nurturing but competitive
environment that is designed to produce young people of great character. It is our
hope that the values they learn, as student-athletes, will benefit all involved, and
serve the greater communities in the years to come.

The Dwight Schools has a rich tradition of athletic excellence and success.
Dwight School Seoul, Athletic Department, coaches, and student-athletes are
proud to be part of the Dwight Schools, and will continue that tradition of
excellence and success here in Korea.

Grades 3-5 athletics will focus mainly on having fun, building friendships,
and encouraging students to want to continue with athletics throughout their school
years. This level will be separated into two groups. Teams will be made up of students
from grades 3-5. Coaches will teach basic skills, rules and strategies for their sports.
When competing against other schools, they will ensure playing time for all team
members. Students at this age will also learn about good sportsmanship and the
importance of teamwork.

Grades 6-8 athletics will be more involved and competitive than Lower School
athletics. Upper School coaches will reinforce our Lower School core values of having
fun, sportsmanship and teamwork, while placing more emphasis on skill development,
and will teach more advanced rules and game strategies. When competing against other
schools, coaches will ensure playing time for all team members. At times, players may be
selected, based on their abilities, to make teams for special events. When needed, some
grade 6-8, student-athletes with the interest and physical and emotional abilities to
participate at a higher level, will be asked to join the grades 9-12 teams.

Grades 9-12 athletics will play competitively, and strive to win while still
promoting sportsmanship, teamwork and fun. There will be a heavy emphasis
on skill development and strategies, and players will be selected to be on the
team, depending on the number of participants who sign up for particular sports.
Playing time may vary for some student-athletes based on game time decisions
and situational judgments made by the coaches, but it is still our goal to allow
all of our participants to have as much playing time as possible.

The Dwight School Seoul Athletic Department will, to the best of its abilities, maintain mutually respectful relationships between and among all participants who are involved with the sports program. It will ensure that coaches and teams have what they need in order for their teams to practice and participate in pick-up games and compete in jamborees and tournaments. The Athletic Department will, to the best of its ability, provide safe and suitable facilities to accommodate all athletes and provide safe travel to and from games and practices. The Athletic Department will provide transportation to and from athletic contests within the Seoul area. For matches and tournaments outside of Seoul, the costs for travel and lodging will be the responsibility of the parents. They will assign coaches who not only have an in-depth knowledge of the sport, but will also be positive role models, teachers, and leaders. Coaches will make ethical decisions pertaining to their team and be dedicated to coaching their team to the best of their abilities while stressing the expectations for all those involved. The Athletic Department will host an Athletic Banquet each year to recognize the accomplishments and efforts of the student-athletes and those involved with helping the program.

The Athletic Department will hold meetings to discuss any disciplinary problems or policy violations with a student-athlete in the following order: (1) Coach and athlete (2) Coach, athlete and parent (3) Coach, athlete, parent and Athletic Director (4) Coach, athlete, parent, Athletic Director and Head of School. Early resolution to problems, with the fewest parties necessary, is our desired means of resolving issues. The coach will first speak to the athlete about the problem and give him/her the opportunity to improve. If the situation remains unchanged, appropriate actions will be taken.

Sports teams will be supervised by at least one coach for up to 14 student-athletes (with discretion of safety and reasonable numbering). In grades 4-8, all students who work hard, apply themselves, and are eligible in accordance with the Student-Athlete Eligibility Requirements will be considered a part of the team. In grades 9-12, student-athletes who are eligible in accordance with the Student-Athlete Eligibility Requirements will need to show their dedication and will be selected by the coaches and Athletic Director. All students who do not meet the Student-Athlete Eligibility Requirements, or are unable to represent themselves and the School in a Dwight School Seoul sanctioned manner, will not be considered part of the team and will not be allowed to participate in any of the events related to that sport during that season. Students are always welcome to try out for a team at the beginning of each season, as long as they meet the basic requirements laid out in the Student-Athlete Eligibility Requirements document.

When teams travel, it will be as a team. No student will be allowed to break away from the team at any time or be left alone at any venue preceding or following games and matches. Team buses and school vehicles will depart from and return to the school only. The only exception will be if the student has parental permission beforehand to leave the supervision of the coach, which is included in the Dwight Athletics Seasonal Participation Contract. Students may also travel with parents before and after an athletic event under no responsibility of Dwight School Seoul.

The Athletic Director will maintain mutually respectful relationships between and among all participants who are involved with the program. Primarily, this will involve the activities, transportation, acquisitions and finance offices, but also includes administrators, officials, students, coaches, parents and school associations, not only from Dwight School Seoul, but from other international schools as well.

The Athletic Director will ensure that coaches and teams have what they need in order for their teams to participate. This will include having the proper equipment, uniforms, and facilities, the hiring of referees, organizing student help, publicity, chaperons when needed, and organizing all travel. It is the goal of the Athletic Director to handle all necessary logistical matters so that the coaches can focus on coaching their teams.

The Athletic Director will represent the values and interests of Dwight School Seoul at sporting events and at league meetings, supporting the best interests of the school, coaches, parents and students. This also will involve working closely with, and answering to, the Head of School to ensure that our school’s interests are always at the forefront.

Coaches will not only have an in-depth knowledge of their sport, but will also be positive role models, teachers, leaders, and will always make ethical decisions pertaining to their team. Coaches will strive to make their team as competitive as possible, while promoting fun, sportsmanship, teamwork, inclusiveness and the development of skills for all participants. Practices for all teams will be planned to develop these aspects. Coaches will show their support during practices and games by offering positive feedback and instruction for improvement and effort.

Coaches will promote and encourage good sportsmanship, at all levels of play and practice. Coaches are expected to applaud the good play of opponents and to accept decisions made by the referees. All coaches will promote developing skills, playing as a team, and having respect for fellow teammates and opponents. Our teams will win, and lose, as gracious competitors and participants.

Coaches at the Grades 9-11 level will strive to make their teams as competitive as possible through the development of the skills of individual athletes working as part of a great team. They will work to improve and promote the development of these skills along with leadership, sportsmanship and character development as part of the process of teaching how to win and not just on winning itself.

Coaches at the Grades 6-8 level will be more involved and competitive than Lower School athletics. Grades 6-8 coaches will reinforce our Lower School core values of having fun, sportsmanship and teamwork, while placing more emphasis on skill development, and will teach more advanced rules and game strategies. When competing against other schools, coaches will ensure playing time for all team members. At times, players may be selected, based on their abilities, to make teams for special events. When needed, some grade 6-8, student-athletes with the interest and physical and emotional abilities to participate at a higher level, will be asked to join the grades 9-11 teams.

Coaches at the Grades 2-5 level will focus mainly on having fun, building friendships, and encouraging students to want to continue with athletics throughout their school years. This level will be separated into two groups. Teams will be made up of students from grades 2-3 and students from grades 4-5. Coaches will teach basic skills, rules and strategies for their sports. When competing against other schools, they will ensure playing time for all team members. Students at this age will also learn about good sportsmanship and the importance of teamwork.

Coaches will be ready at the designated time and place for their practices, games and team events and must be able to account for all of their athletes during the allotted time. They will be given proper athletic clipboards with attendance sheets. Attendance needs to be taken each time the team meets. The sheet will be signed and submitted to the Athletic Director at the end of the season, along with the athletic clipboard and other coaching material provided by the Athletic Department. Coaches may not dismiss students early or cancel sessions. If they cannot be present for any team event, they will notify the Athletic Director as soon as possible prior to the event to ensure proper coverage. The coach is also responsible for the condition and return of all equipment for their team. All coaches will have access to the Athletics office and supply room during their coaching season. Coaches are to respect this room and are responsible for its order and cleanliness.

Coaches will need to provide lesson plans when scheduled games require an early departure from school, or when classes are missed due to coaching duties. This will be coordinated through the Athletic Director, coaches, administration, and substitute teachers one week prior to the event. Coaches may also be required to transport their team to an event driving a school vehicle. The Athletic Director and coach will confirm these details one week prior to the event. Coaches will turn in any expenditure receipts, and they are responsible for the cleanliness of the vehicle after usage. Coaches have a legal duty to see that all students are safely transported to and from the event.

Coaches will not leave an injured student alone until trained help arrives. They will send someone to get help from the (1) School Nurse, (2) main office, or (3) outside professional medical help, depending on their location. They should never attempt to move a student with a serious injury. All injuries, however minor, need to be checked by a medical professional. Coaches will take no chances with injuries, and need to report them to the School Nurse and Athletic Director by submitting an Accident Report Form.

Parents are asked to support their child’s decision to participate with Dwight Athletics. Our student-athletes display a great deal of effort and determination in order to be selected for the team. Parents should be very proud of their accomplishments thus far, and their desire to excel. Participation on school athletic teams not only provides life-long character building lessons, but also helps to develop confidence and self-esteem. Athletics provides students with fun experiences and the opportunity to build wonderful friendships. Being a student- athlete is a very desirable asset to have when it comes time for applying to universities.

Parents of athletes in grades 6-12 are responsible for a non-refundable, one time only, per season, per sport registration fee of 50,000 KRW, paid to a bank account designated by the Dwight Accounting office prior to the first match. Failure to pay this fee will forfeit your student-athlete from participating in the game, and sequential games thereafter until the registration fee has been paid.

Parents will also be responsible for additional travel and accommodation costs when the teams travel outside the Seoul area for matches and tournaments. Costs will be determined per event considering the distance, time away from Seoul, and number of coaches/chaperones needed. Failure to pay this fee will forfeit your student-athlete from traveling with the team and participating in the game(s).

Parents will need to pick up their children at Dwight School Seoul, or other nearby facilities, after practices and games if school buses are not available to provide transportation for the student-athletes. Parents can give permission for their children to travel home alone by public transportation by signing the appropriate section on the Dwight Athletics Seasonal Participation Contract.

Parents may be required to provide accommodation and meals for visiting players when Dwight School Seoul is the host of out-of-country teams. Ideally, only one host-student will be placed in the care of one household. If a family cannot provide this service they need to find another family from our school community who can. This is currently not an immediate requirement for the parents; however, this will be phased in as the athletic program and opportunities grow over the coming years.

Parents, and families, are always invited and encouraged to attend any of their child’s games. Please use designated areas for viewing the matches and remember that all cheering from the sidelines must be positive and encouraging for all teams and players involved. Parents are also asked to respect the decisions made by the coaches and officials at all times, without attempting to communicate with either during a game.

Student-athletes must meet all eligibility requirements laid out in the Student-Athlete Eligibility Requirements document. These are set by the Athletic Department and the sports conferences in which we belong. Student- athletes are asked to strive to represent what Dwight School Seoul and the Athletic Department believe are the core values, which reflects the IB learner profile.

Student-athletes must realize that it is a privilege to play on Dwight School Seoul sports teams. Many people work very hard to provide these opportunities for our students’ well-being, enjoyment, and futures. Players are expected to attend all practices, games and team related activities, showing enthusiasm, sportsmanship and respect. Student-athletes are allowed a total of three absences; excused and unexcused combined. Special circumstances may be arranged through coaches prior to or post practice at least two days in advance prior to the absence. Students should be changed, wearing appropriate clothing for either practices or games, and in the gym/ on the field before practice officially begins. Three late arrivals will be counted as one absence. Late arrivals past 20 minutes will be considered a complete absence. Students should try to practice their skills on their own time, either at home or during free time at school.

Student-athletes participating on grades 9-12 teams (Volleyball, Basketball and Soccer) will be provided a team uniform from the Athletic Department. The uniforms are only to be worn for team competitions. Students will be charged replacement cost for uniforms damaged beyond regular wear, as well as for lost uniforms. Students must clean and return uniforms to the Athletic Department within one week after the end of a sports season, failure to do so can result in holding of final records. Students are also required to own all other equipment needed such as: proper footwear, kneepads, shin guards, socks, sports glasses, contact lenses, etc., in order to participate on a school team. Any athlete who quits a team during the season may be ineligible to participate on any team for one calendar year.

Student-athletes participating on grades 3-8 teams will be expected to wear their Dwight School Seoul PE uniforms and will be given pinnies to wear during matches unless team uniforms have been provided. Pinnies will be handed out and collected at each game, and will be the responsibility of the Athletics Department to keep clean. Students are required to own all other equipment needed such as: proper footwear, kneepads, shin guards, socks, sports glasses, contact lenses, etc., in order to participate on a school team.

Student-athletes will never make any member of their team feel unwelcome. Everyone wants to win, have fun, and be part of the team. Attitudes, on and off the field, will reflect those of teamwork and respect for everyone on the team, as well as those involved with the program. Student-athletes are expected to listen to their coach’s instructions and accept all decisions of the referees without question. They are also expected to applaud the good play of teammates and opponents alike.

Student-athletes will follow the rules of the host school, as well as the rules of Dwight School Seoul. Our language policies and dress codes must be honored. Student-athletes are to behave accordingly at the event, en- route, and in the community. Participants are expected to keep a healthy physical state throughout the season. Student-athletes are responsible for hydration and self-preservation during practices, games, and tournaments. If a participant is found using any form of tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs during the season, that participant will face consequences as determined by the Athletic Department and Head of School. Participants are expected to give a strong effort at every practice. Everyone must be focused, attentive, and willing to work hard during practices. Student-athletes are to respect and follow what is asked of them from coaches, assisting staff, and guests. Inappropriate behavior, words, or attitude toward coaches, assisting staff, and guests, will NOT be tolerated.

Student-athletes will need to attend meetings to discuss any disciplinary problems or policy violations in the following order: (1) Coach and athlete (2) Coach, athlete and parent (3) Coach, athlete, parent and Athletic Director (4) Coach, athlete, parent, Athletic Director and Head of School. Violation of policies may result in disciplinary actions and serious infractions may result in suspension, ranging from one contest to all contests remaining on the schedule, or dismissal from the team.

Student-athletes should promote themselves as positive role models who balance academics with athletics. They are expected to be team players, exercise sportsmanship, and build solid foundations for their futures. Dwight School Seoul and the Athletic department expect student-athletes to represent the school in a manner that we as a school and community are proud of.

Student is enrolled full-time at Dwight School Seoul and has parental or guardian authorization to participate in Dwight Athletics.

Student has passed a regular physical exam prior to the start of an athletic season(s).

Student has not reached his or her 11th birthday (Western age) prior to September 1 of the year in which he or she is competing. If student has come of age, the athlete will remain eligible for the remainder of the year.

Student-athletes missing classes cannot participate in any team related activity on that day. This includes meetings, events, practices, games, travel, etc. Student-athletes must maintain at least a developing in all of their subjects. Progress will be verified monthly by the Athletic Department. Failure to meet this requirement will mean sitting out of all team-related activities until a progress report is verified the following month or the leadership team deems suitable. At the beginning of each academic year, all student-athletes are considered academically eligible.

Student is enrolled full-time at Dwight School Seoul and has parental or guardian authorization to participate in Dwight Athletics.

Student has not reached his or her 14th birthday (Western age) prior to September 1 of the year in which he or she is competing. If he or she has come of age, the athlete will remain eligible for the remainder of the year.

Student has passed a regular physical exam prior to the start of an athletic season(s).

Student-athletes missing classes cannot participate in any team related activity on that day. This includes meetings, events, practices, games, travel, etc. Student-athletes must maintain at least four out of seven on the IB Assessment Scale, in all of their subjects. The student and the Athletic Department will verify progress monthly. Failure to meet this requirement will mean sitting out of all team-related activities until a progress report is verified the following month or the leadership team deems suitable. At the beginning of each academic year, all student- athletes are considered academically eligible.

Student is enrolled full-time at Dwight School Seoul, has not already graduated from an internationally based, four-year high school, or equivalent of, has not completed eight consecutive school semesters after entrance into the ninth grade, and has parental or guardian authorization to participate in Dwight Athletics.

Student has not lost amateur status in the sport in which he or she is competing, and has not reached his or her 19th birthday (Western age) prior to September 1 of the year in which they are competing. If he or she has come of age, the athlete will remain eligible for the remainder of the year.

Student has passed the Dwight Physical Exam Form. A physical is required for each athlete per school year. The form must be filled out, signed and stamped by a physician.

Student is an eligible, seventh or eighth grade student who has not participated as a seventh or eighth grade student for more than four consecutive semesters. This will only occur if participant numbers from the Upper School (grades 9-12) are lower than expected, for that specific year only.

Student-athletes missing classes cannot participate in any team related activity on that day. This includes meetings, events, practices, games, travel, etc. Student-athletes must maintain at least four out of seven on the IB Assessment Scale, in all of their subjects. The student and the Athletic Department will verify progress monthly. Failure to meet this requirement will mean sitting out of all team-related activities until a progress report is verified the following month or the leadership team deems suitable. At the beginning of each academic year, all student- athletes are considered academically eligible.

Useful Links

Dwight School Seoul is the FIRST International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in Seoul to
receive authorization in all three IB Programmes, the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle
Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP).

Dwight School Seoul is committed to finding and igniting the “Spark of Genius” in every child.